By Mallory Pearson
Published: Oct. 23, 2020 at 5:00 PM EDT
SANFORD, Mich. (WJRT) - The village of Sanford took another step toward normal on Friday, as the Saginaw Road bridge reopened five months after it sustained heavy damage from May’s flooding.
The small section of roadway is bringing people together in more ways than one.
“We all were here during the flood while the water was going over the top and we closed the road, and then we haven’t been able to travel over it since the flood so were super excited,” said Sanford resident Delores Porte.
The tight-knit village, which sustained some of the worst flooding damage in May, finally is reconnected with the bridge reopening.
“It’s very exciting to see everyone come out -- people came with flags, dogs, bikes,” Porte said. “So it’s just very fun to see everyone.”
The road is the main connection through town. With the fire department just at the corner, the reopening has been critical in their life-saving efforts.
“It’s about an extra seven to eight minutes. And that impact, last night, about a half mile from here we had a structure fire. It didn’t spread into the house because we came across the bridge and that made all the difference,” said Jerome Township Fire Chief Jerry Cole.
It’s been a tough few months for the village of Sanford, but residents say they’re taking every day one stop at a time and rebuilding to a new level of Sanford strong.
Clean-up also was underway Friday at the Sanford dam. Residents are encouraged to come and claim any of their property that may have been swept away by the May floods and trapped behind the dam.
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Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations issues statement on Census
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M-30 over the Tittabawassee River bridge repairs in Edenville start Aug. 3
Fast facts:- MDOT will administer an emergency contract to repair the existing bridge piers for M-30 over the Tittabwassee River. - Fisher Contracting has been awarded the emergency bid at $1.2 million and will begin work Aug. 3.- MDOT expects to reopen the bridge to traffic by mid-September.
August 3, 2020 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has awarded an emergency contract to begin repairs to M-30 over the Tittabawassee River in Edenville. The bridge sustained extensive damage to the piers and bridge approach during flooding in May.
In late June, an emergency contract was issued to begin debris removal at the site. Following debris removal, crews were able to inspect the existing structure and determine what repairs were necessary and feasible to reopen the bridge to traffic. Crews will retrofit the existing piers with additional supports and rebuild the road and bridge approach.
These repairs will allow the bridge to reopen to traffic, restoring mobility to much of northern Midland County while plans to build a new bridge are underway. “This bridge was originally built in 1947, making a new structure in the near future a necessity,” said Region Bridge Engineer, Paul Schiefer. “By making these repairs now, we can restore mobility in a matter of months, while we work on a new bridge design and securing funding for a permanent bridge in the future.”
Midland-based Fisher Contracting was awarded the emergency contract for $1.2 million and will begin work Monday, Aug. 3. M-30 over the Tittabawassee River is expected to reopen to traffic by mid-September.
Photo 1: Debris removal at M-30 over the Tittabawassee River was required before a full inspection and maintenance plan could be developed for the existing structure.
Photo 2: M-30 at the Tittabawassee River has been cleared of debris and emergency repairs to retrofit the existing piers and rebuild road and bridge approach begin Aug. 3.
Governor Whitmer Allows Remote Public Meetings and Administrative Hearings Until the End of the COVID-19 State of Emergency
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 17, 2020
Contact: press@michigan.gov
Governor Whitmer Allows Remote Public Meetings and Administrative Hearings Until the End of the COVID-19 State of Emergency
Order provides temporary relief for certain administrative rules and procedures
LANSING, Mich. — Governor Whitmer today signed Executive Order 2020-154, which extends previous executive orders to provide temporary alternative means to conduct public meetings, conduct administrative proceedings, and provide the required notice under tax abatement statutes.
“COVID-19 is still present in Michigan, and I am committed to using every tool at my disposal to protect Michiganders from the virus,” said Governor Whitmer. “By consolidating and extending these orders, we can ensure that state and local governments can continue to provide important services in a manner that is safe, effective, and accessible. We have made progress in slowing the spread of COVID-19, but it is not over yet. I encourage everyone to do their part by wearing a mask and maintaining six feet of physical distance when possible.”
Under Executive Order 2020-154, all three previous orders are consolidated and extended to protect the public health and safety of Michiganders. The new order:
· Allows public bodies subject to the Open Meetings Act, including boards, commissions, committees, subcommittees, authorities, councils and nonprofit boards, to use telephone- or video-conferencing methods to continue meeting and conducting business during the COVID-19 public health crisis, so long as they follow certain procedures to ensure meaningful access and participation by members of the public body and the general public.
· Allows notice of any public hearing required to take place under a tax abatement statute to be provided electronically and by newspaper.
· Allows the Michigan Employment Relations Commission, Unemployment Insurance Agency, and other administrative hearings to be held by video conference or phone in place of in-person hearings.
Executive Orders 2020-129, 2020-132 and 2020-141 are rescinded with Executive Order 2020-154 remaining in effect during any state of emergency or disaster associated with COVID-19, and for 28 days thereafter to the extent necessary for public bodies to schedule remote meetings and hearings.
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
To view Executive Order 2020-154, click the link below:
M-30 flooding repairs in Midland and Gladwin counties begin June 29
Fast facts:- MDOT will administer an emergency debris removal contract to address the locations of two M-30 trunkline bridges damaged during the May flooding event.- Fisher Contracting has been awarded the emergency bid at $1.2 million and will begin work Monday, June 29.- Following debris removal, MDOT will move on to additional emergency contracts to address repairs to the M-30 structures over the Tittabawassee River and the Tobacco River.
June 29, 2020 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has awarded an emergency contract to begin debris removal at two bridge locations on M-30 in Midland and Gladwin counties, following a historic flooding event in May.
M-30 structures over the Tittabawassee River in northern Midland County and over the Tobacco River in Gladwin County were both impacted by flooding. Midland-based Fisher Contracting was awarded the bid at $1.2 million and is expected to begin work Monday, June 29. Debris removal is expected to finish by July 22.
M-30 over the Tittabawassee River
The contractor will use a barge to remove existing debris and trees blocking the bridge piers.
Following debris removal, inspection of the existing piers will be completed and a maintenance plan established.
MDOT plans to administer an emergency contract to address required maintenance for the bridge and bridge approach, following complete review of the existing structure and determining repair options.
M-30 over the Tobacco River
The contractor will remove existing debris, including remaining pieces of the original causeway bridge washed away during the flood.
Following debris removal, inspection of the existing channel will begin and soil borings collected.
MDOT is currently working with temporary bridging solution vendors to determine an appropriate temporary bridge structure that will remain in place for several years while permanent bridge plans are established.
Following debris removal, MDOT will administer an emergency contract to begin construction of a temporary bridge at M-30 over the Tobacco River.
Photo 1: Debris removal at M-30 over the Tittabawassee River is expected to begin Monday, June 29, and will allow crews to begin necessary repairs of the existing bridge piers currently blocked by trees and other debris.
Photo 2: M-30 at the Tittabawassee River will also require inspection of the existing bridge approach, which will be rebuilt following inspections.
Photo 3: M-30 over the Tobacco River washed away in the flooding. Following debris removal, crews will begin construction of a temporary bridge.
MDOT invites public to take online survey on state long-range transportation plan
Fast facts:
- MDOT's Michigan Mobility 2045 state long-range transportation plan is intended to establish a vision and priorities for transportation in Michigan for the next 25 years.
- Michigan residents can provide input on state long-range transportation plan strategies through an online survey at MM2045.metroquest.com.
June 17, 2020 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is developing a new state long-range transportation plan (SLRTP), known as Michigan Mobility 2045 (MM2045), that establishes a vision and priorities for transportation in Michigan for the next 25 years. MDOT is seeking input from the public on potential strategies to deliver Michigan's transportation system through 2045.
MDOT's MM2045 online survey, available now through Sept. 30, is part of MDOT's planned outreach to a larger and more diverse group of Michigan residents during the SLRTP development phase. This survey presents potential long-term strategies for Michigan's transportation network to the public in a realistic context. For disabled or accessibility needs, please use the contact information below.
For more information on the plan or to provide comments, the public can visit the MM2045 website at www.MichiganMobility.org. Public comments also can be sent to MDOT-MichiganMobility@Michigan.gov, or shared with MDOT's social media sites at www.facebook.com/MichiganDOT or www.twitter.com/MichiganDOT. Comments also can be sent via U.S. mail to:
Monica Monsma
Michigan Mobility 2045
Michigan Department of Transportation
Van Wagoner Transportation Building
425 West Ottawa St.
P.O. Box 30050
Lansing, MI 48909
MDOT to host telephone town hall meetings on state long-range transportation plan
Fast facts:
- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will host two telephone town hall meetings June 16 and 17.
- Michigan residents can provide input on the state long-range transportation plan strategies.
- Michiganders are encouraged to join the conversation online.
June 10, 2020 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be hosting two telephone town halls at 7 p.m. June 16 and 10 a.m. June 17 to give Michigan residents an opportunity to have input on the state long-range transportation plan (SLRTP), known as Michigan Mobility 2045 (MM2045).
Although registered voter lists are used to ensure residents in every part of the state receive calls, anyone living in Michigan who wants to participate can opt in by completing an online registration form. The telephone town halls will begin with a brief overview of the transportation planning process. During the calls, the public will have an opportunity to comment and provide ideas about Michigan's transportation strategies.
A unique virtual forum, telephone town hall meetings are particularly beneficial for residents who would not typically have the time to attend a regular public meeting or who cannot participate online. Residents will be called at random through an automated system and invited to take part in the telephone forums. Those who choose to join the call will have the chance to ask questions and share their thoughts about the future of transportation. Michiganders are encouraged to join the conversation.
To ensure that the most people possible are engaged, text messages will be sent to a randomly selected group of Michigan mobile phone users throughout the state. The messages will provide information on how to take part in the telephone town hall meetings, as well as how to opt out of future text messages.
MDOT is seeking the opinions of a large and diverse group of Michigan residents and stakeholders representing groups with an interest or concern for the state's transportation decision-making process. This includes best practices for targeting and providing attention to environmental justice populations, marginalized communities and tribal governments.
Accommodations can be made for persons with disabilities or limited English-speaking ability. Large print materials, auxiliary aids or the services of interpreters, signers, and readers are available upon request. Please call 517-241-7462 to make a request at least seven days before the meeting date.
The public can view the public and stakeholder participation plan, provide comments on MM2045, and get information about the telephone town halls and scheduled in-person meetings at www.MichiganMobility.org.
Public comments also can be sent to MDOT-MichiganMobility@Michigan.gov, or shared with MDOT social media sites at www.facebook.com/MichiganDOT or www.twitter.com/MichiganDOT. Comments also can be sent via U.S. Mail to:
Monica Monsma
Michigan Mobility 2045
Michigan Department of Transportation
Van Wagoner Transportation Building
425 West Ottawa St.
P.O. Box 30050
Lansing, MI 48909
Governor Whitmer Signs Executive Orders Reopening More Regions, Economic Sectors Under MI Safe Start Plan
Northern Michigan, Upper Peninsula Regions Move to Phase 5 on June 10; Personal Care Services Including Salons, Barbershops Reopen Statewide on June 15
LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer today signed Executive Orders 2020-114 and 2020-115 to reopen more regions and economic sectors under the MI Safe Start Plan.
Starting on June 10, Regions 6 and 8 — which include much of northern Michigan and all of the Upper Peninsula — will advance to Phase 5 of the governor’s MI Safe Start Plan. Phase 5 allows the reopening of salons, movie theaters, and gyms, subject to safety protocols and procedures designed to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
On June 15, personal services including hair, massages, and nails will reopen statewide. Though the remaining regions, 1 through 5 and 7, will remain in Phase 4 under today’s executive orders, the governor has said she expects the entire state will advance to Phase 5 in the coming weeks.
“Today marks another milestone in the safe reopening of Michigan’s economy,” Governor Whitmer said. “As we continue to slowly reopen different parts of our state, it’s critical that we listen to the experts and follow the medical science to avoid a second wave of infections. The good news is that we are headed in the right direction, and if the current trajectory continues, I anticipate we'll be able to announce more sectors reopening in the coming weeks. We owe it to our front line workers to keep doing our part.”
“We are still on an encouraging trajectory across the state, and while there are regional differences, we are seeing continued general rates of decline in cases and deaths,” said MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “While we must continue to monitor the data, because of these positive trends we are able to move forward, on a regional basis, with the next phases of the MI Safe Start Plan. Although the risk levels are going down, it does not mean it has gone away. Please remain vigilant, wear your mask, practice social distancing, and remain patient as we continue to fight COVID-19 together.”
Under Phase 5, indoor social gatherings and organized events of up to 50 people are permissible. Outdoor social gatherings and organized events are also allowed if people maintain six feet of distance from one another and the gathering consists of no more than 250 people. In addition, outdoor performance and sporting venues will be open with a larger capacity limit of 500, which will allow for some outdoor graduation ceremonies.
In addition, Governor Whitmer has issued an updated rule laying out new workplace safeguards for gyms, in-home services, hair salons, and entertainment venues. Following these safeguards will ensure that workers and patrons alike remain protected as the state moves to reopen.
“I'm grateful that the U.P. is moving forward today to reopen more businesses in phase 5. This hasn't been easy balancing the safety of residents and our economy, but our numbers show the Governor's Stay Home, Stay Safe order worked,” said Rep. Sara Cambensy. “Even after Memorial Day weekend, we didn't see a spike in Covid-19 cases. This should give residents, businesses and travelers to our region the confidence and reassurance that we are resilient and ready to responsibly start our U.P. summer season."
“Arts and culture are vital aspects of Northern Michigan’s economy and directly contribute to the quality of life for our residents,” said Megan DeWindt, Site Director for Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey. “These aspects of our community also enhance the experiences of our visitors, particularly during the summer months. Across the ten-county Northwest Michigan region, nearly 100 nonprofit and public entities provide opportunities to access and participate in music, performing arts, and visual arts. We are ready to safely welcome guests back into the region’s galleries, museums, theaters, and performance spaces. Northern Michigan is known for supporting and celebrating local, regional, and national artists and performers, and we are excited to resume that tradition.”
“On behalf of the beauty industry in the state of Michigan, we wish to express our absolute excitement and appreciation for the re-opening of the cosmetology and barbering industry in the state of Michigan,” said Scott Weaver, Owner and CEO of Douglas J. “The cosmetology and barbering industry in Michigan is well prepared to manage and safe guard the health and wellbeing of our clients and the public in general in this reopening. As the owner and CEO of Douglas J, on behalf of our entire Douglas J family, and the entire beauty industry, I want to acknowledge and give appreciation to the governor. Your work in safeguarding our health, and now reopening and rebuilding our economy is surely a giant task, and we thank you most sincerely.”
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
To view Executive Orders 2020-114 and 2020-115, click the links below: